Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Reflection - Old and New Testament

Source (book): "Faithful to the end", Question 1, Page 41.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


Way to Emmaus by Robert Zünd (1827-1909)
PHOTO: Way to Emmaus by Robert Zünd (1827-1909)
The road to Emmaus…  In our tradition, some have taken the Emmaus road to mean the road to no where. Jesus’ response to them is intriguing…  He starts telling them how they knew.  They were told ahead of time, before He even told them.  The entire Old Testament, the psalms, John the Baptist…  they were told by people first.
Posted by Dennis Keller on Nov 12, 2011 (Hearing God’s Plan in Time) in daily life, discernment
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxCSkh_Rw4U0dkCCwpmZxp2TpPG4l8_Y3cg6-XKJkq_u9H5RvDF2nIrsqP61I5wnSUWM7qNGLRHBV6K57bZiMGLmP4oQ7dfxJQD23iruRbGkh7F70zfUkyWP6dcvgqjKruQefLmTiRyM/s1600/Way_To_Emmaus.jpg
http://www.gloriadeistpaul.org/sites/2b4e04fe-5a9d-4317-b5aa-e28d519c27cf/uploads/Way_To_Emmaus.jpg
http://marymotherchurch.me/hearing-gods-plan-in-time/



Jesus opened the Old Testament (OT) to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus and "explained to them what was said in all the scriptures concerning himself" (Luke 24:27). Reflect on and share how you have been able to find Jesus in the OT and how the OT has helped you to understand the (NT) New Testament. Is it a mistake to reject the OT as irrelevant to Christians? What can you learn from Paul on this matter?
Jesus opened the Old Testament (OT) to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus and "explained to them what was said in all the scriptures concerning himself" (Luke 24:27).

Emmaus Heartburn [3]
They want to leave it all behind; take the road out of it all. So, the two men depart from the hills of Jerusalem to get away from all the reminders of a heartrending crucifixion on the hill of Golgotha. Just as the road slopes down from Jerusalem, so their souls now slope down, reeling from dashed hopes of an empty tomb.

With the Sabbath now past, the two men somberly amble their way to the village of Emmaus, just a little more than seven miles away.

One would think that the crisp, clear sky, the warm afternoon sun, and the aroma of spring buds in the air would revive their souls. Not so.



Way to Emmaus by Robert Zünd (1827-1909)

PHOTO: Way to Emmaus by Robert Zünd (1827-1909)
With the Sabbath now past, the two men somberly amble their way to the village of Emmaus, just a little more than seven miles away. A stranger (Jesus Christ) comes from behind to join them and interrupts their conversation. The stranger attempts to rekindle their embered hopes by quoting them the prophets, starting with the book of Genesis and going through the Scriptures, explaining what they meant.
Posted by Christ Bearers on 11 April 2012

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMB7m7Wbxur1N3JxvT9cH0i3TkacC53Kz8UFawg_wBy817J_iMB0inP8EwQSbOAPz_yF20QKjz6hQVhuwg-5MF27rJF014TV1rlngItVRXzOE4z3qpkv2Z5TEWh0gF1WAADhHyigPx3Aw/s1600/the-road-to-emmaus-02.jpg
https://christbearers.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/the-road-to-emmaus-02.jpg?w=640&h=432
https://christbearers.wordpress.com/2012/04/11/a-funny-thing-happened-on-the-way-to-emmaus/



In their attempt to leave behind the pain and disappointment, they find they yet carry the heartache with them: the lashings of punishment strike at their emotions; the nails of hatred pierce their hearts; the thorns of a mocking crown penetrate their thoughts.

Numb from it all, Cleopas and his friend stroll along the way discussing the dreadful events of the past few days and try to make sense of it all.

Passover will never be the same. No Passover lamb can ever be eaten with the same savor; the herbs will be more bitter; and the bread, oh, the bread of brokenness.

A stranger comes from behind to join them and interrupts their conversation. “You seem to be in a deep discussion with such mournful expressions. What concerns you so?

They abruptly stop. A look of bewilderment blankets their faces.

Are you a stranger in Jerusalem? Do you not know the things that happened there these last three days?” asks Cleopas.

What things? What has happened?

As they walk, the two men recall to the stranger all the anguish: the judgment, the whipping, and the crucifixion of an innocent man named Jesus.

Cleopas says, “We thought He was the glorious Messiah come to rescue Israel.

The other man says, “Some women from our group of His followers went to His tomb early this morning and rushed to tell us that His body was gone; the tomb was empty! And they also saw angels who told them Jesus is alive! Some of our men ran out to see, and, indeed, Jesus’ body was gone, just as the women said.

Do you not understand?” the man asks them. “Are you so slow to believe what the prophets wrote in the Scriptures? Didn’t they predict that the Messiah would have to suffer these things before He entered His time of glory?

The stranger attempts to rekindle their embered hopes by quoting them the prophets, starting with the book of Genesis and going through the Scriptures, explaining what they meant.

Listening so intently to what the stranger says, the men do not realize they have reached the outskirts of Emmaus. The man acts as if he is going on but they beg him to stay.

Stay and have supper with us. It’s nearly evening; the day is done.

Agreeing to go with them, he joins them as they head toward their lodging place. As they sit down at the table for their meal, the man takes the bread, blesses it and breaks it, giving a portion to each one.

Suddenly, the veil of obscurity vanishes from their eyes and they recognize him! It is Jesus Himself! And at that moment, He disappears from their sight.



The Road to Emmaus (Caravaggio, 1606)

PHOTO: The Road to Emmaus (Caravaggio, 1606)
Do you not understand?” the man asks them. “Are you so slow to believe what the prophets wrote in the Scriptures? Didn’t they predict that the Messiah would have to suffer these things before He entered His time of glory?

The stranger attempts to rekindle their embered hopes by quoting them the prophets, starting with the book of Genesis and going through the Scriptures, explaining what they meant.

Suddenly, the veil of obscurity vanishes from their eyes and they recognize him! It is Jesus Himself! And at that moment, He disappears from their sight.
Posted by Christ Bearers on 11 April 2012
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWAKssWP2-I2iRu0tdBz91Mc7_dXIdYgan9HUGBtcOPBjjIdDbuDsnxHpYKgLvrql580jrKGTQZHwTwz_tIS1ftMKw8T5u-xHdh8jyU0rzH3MfkOM6yGjth2aYfvRl1IG4KstKsOM4O0/s1600/road-to-emmaus-caravaggio-1606.jpg
https://christbearers.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/road-to-emmaus-caravaggio-1606.jpg
https://christbearers.wordpress.com/2012/04/11/a-funny-thing-happened-on-the-way-to-emmaus/


It was Jesus! It was Jesus!” they both shout.

So exhilarated, they begin to remind each other of their Emmaus walk, “Didn’t our hearts burn as He talked with us along the way and opened up the Scriptures for us?” Grasping it all, their hearts blaze again with the Emmaus heartburn.

And so it is with us as we travel the road of life and leave behind the pain, not only of the past at the foot of the cross but also of the tomb emptied of hopes and dreams, for our hearts cannot stay at the site of death and resurrection.

We must take that daily, life-road walk, and, as we do, we find Jesus walking with us in fellowship every step of the way.

As we walk with Him, talk with Him, invite Him to be our guest, and spend time with Him, sharing the Bread of the Word, the true unveiling comes, and, we have a celebration of revelation.

May your heart be set ablaze with His presence, as an Emmaus heartburn.
Posted by Lynn H Mosher on 6 April 2015 [3]


Reflect on and share how you have been able to find Jesus in the OT (Old Testament).
God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8) [5] [6]
The existence of the Trinity is expressed in the very first chapter of Genesis (Gen. 1:1,2,26) where God’s name is Elohim, which is plural (yet at the same time is singular), and where in v. 26 God refers to himself in the plural. All three members of the Trinity played an active role in the affairs of men in both the OT and NT.  This proves that the word of God is consistent and not contradictory.  We serve a God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The same Jesus is in the Old Testament (OT) and the New Testament (NT).
Jesus only made quick appearances in the Old Testament and was not born of a woman at those times. He had to come in a totally different way in the New Testament because he had to be born of a woman to be human so he could be the perfect sacrifice for all humanity. When he made appearances in the Old Testament, he just had his divine nature. In the New Testament he had both his 100% divinity alongside his 100% humanity without sin. - Harryagaylord, 22 November 2011 at 10:20 am [5] [6]



God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8)

PHOTO: God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8)
Picture from World Missionary Press, THE AMAZING LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqpJOPmQJx1fXxzPqRytkQFkv5B8tIjdlcHcr-o1Eola6d_xdo7RsK295PYB6tTvoNf5XJe_VXVDUzhTOTkfZtWmqQoM-m4QisjiYCJeVSgBHkoen1z5x87ZaKYH05v2LG-W18yncE4U/s1600/aljccoversmall.jpg
http://www.wmpress.org/alc_text/aljccoversmall.jpg
http://www.wmpress.org/alc_text/english.htm


The word "LORD" appears in scripture with all caps, this identifies God [5]
Careful study of the OT also reveals that Jesus Christ made several bodily appearances, or Christophanies, long before he entered Mary’s womb. One such appearance was in Gen. 18 when Jesus, along with two of his angels, visited Abraham. Starting in Gen. 18:13, this man is called “the LORD.”  Whenever the word LORD appears in scripture with all caps, this identifies God. As this chapter ends, two of the men begin a journey to Sodom while Jesus remains behind to tell Abraham that Sodom will be destroyed. Upon learning of Sodom’s upcoming destruction, Abraham intercedes on their behalf to Jesus. In the next chapter the two angels who were with Jesus arrive at Sodom to rescue Lot and his family.



The word 'LORD' appears in scripture with all caps, this identifies God

PHOTO: The word "LORD" appears in scripture with all caps, this identifies God
The 3rd Commandment (Exodus 20:7) was intended to protect God’s name. Translators removed His name and replaced the four letters called the tetragrammaton, with LORD in all caps.
Posted by Cheryl on 21 January 2012, Imagine This…
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmee1N0f7Qf_pSTH5wqRPaqkO8rLLrhFkgVYnIqdoPeUd6oK_ki2nGvCQIgHJD1TkQ-_W3Ga3yJK5iPOnwq_gHH_LCmIREAChZ-iLM9FXcP-tTdDBzj_VD7uOY0qSs8uHkrOQJGsVxygg/s1600/img_8430-blog-this-one.jpg
https://corinthrose.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/img_8430-blog-this-one.jpg
https://corinthrose.wordpress.com/2012/01/21/imagine-this/


God do not stop us from worshipping him as any other servant of the Lord would do
Jesus appeared to Joshua also in Josh. 5:13-15. Joshua was near Jericho when he saw a man with a sword drawn. Immediately Joshua wanted to know if he was friend or foe and he was told by the man that he was captain of the Lord’s host. Upon hearing this, Joshua fell on his face and worshipped him. This man did not stop Joshua from worshipping him as any other servant of the Lord would do (see Acts 10:26; 14:15; Rev. 19:10; 22:9 where servants of God stopped other men from worshipping them). Joshua asked Jesus what his message was and Jesus responded by telling Joshua to take off his shoes because he was on holy ground, which is the same thing he told Moses in Exodus when he appeared to him in a burning bush. [5]



God do not stop us from worshipping him as any other servant of the Lord would do

PHOTO: God do not stop us from worshipping him as any other servant of the Lord would do
Servants of God stopped other men from worshipping them.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWz8v9YCyKXe7BGuL10FbPBj8Q7iIyuoqqXosFY8uWJj67fxhZKqbRNFc7RCAgKS5d0OHmKUZ8BxWxHTQtuEU9JRvYdvw4F55P9fmb0Qwvm5rfrXQOq14y17dd-F1JtidbCylVGwdTxg/s1600/ourf1.317183630_large.jpg
http://catholicdesignco.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/ourf1.317183630_large.jpg
http://catholicdesignco.com/childrens_prayers



The ultimate angel, or messenger, of the Lord would have to be Jesus [6]
Throughout his ministry Jesus said repeatedly that he was speaking what the Father told him to speak.
The final physical appearance of Christ in the Old Testament was in Judges 13:3-23 when he encountered Samson’s parents before Samson was born. He is referred to as “the angel of the Lord” in this chapter.  You may ask “Why is he called an angel when we know Jesus is not an angel? He’s the Lord.”  Well, you would have to examine what the word angel actually means. Angel not only refers to the spiritual beings who carry out God’s commands, it refers to the office one holds as delivering messages from God. If you read Revelation chapters 2 and 3, the pastors of the seven churches in Asia are called angels based on this second definition. Therefore, it stands to reason that the ultimate angel, or messenger, of the Lord would have to be Jesus.



The ultimate angel, or messenger, of the Lord would have to be Jesus

PHOTO: The ultimate angel, or messenger, of the Lord would have to be Jesus
Angel not only refers to the spiritual beings who carry out God’s commands, it refers to the office one holds as delivering messages from God. The ultimate angel would have to be Jesus.
Picture posted by Talis Andrade on 6 september 2011
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUI6120MUANBm1mF5viZPck34TPF4OyVuNITVDP4yfMyNrsWt00XPbJnNZDJPRDjrwnZ9Bidvw7mjzCpBin7kooObCLXQRKoZRzvw2HLeVFW39CVzXtVyild6ZCQCdR4mZtIsvMHjfja0/s1600/angels_in_america_still_005-1.jpg
https://poetatalis.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/angels_in_america_still_005.jpg
https://poetatalis.wordpress.com/category/feira-dos-milagres/



By the names of Christ, example “Wonderful” as in Isaiah 9:6
Getting back to Samson’s parents, Jesus appears to tell Samson’s parents what is required of them to raise Samson. The first clue we have that this is Christ is when Samson’s father, Manoah, asks the angel what his name is. The angel replies that his name is “secret” in Judges 13:18. This word “secret” also means “wonderful”, the adjective version of the noun “Wonderful” used as one of the names of Christ in Isaiah 9:6.



Find Jesus in the OT (Old Testament): by the names of Christ, example 'Wonderful' as in Isaiah 9:6

PHOTO: Find Jesus in the OT (Old Testament): by the names of Christ, example “Wonderful” as in Isaiah 9:6
Posted by King James Bible Online, © 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGEq8OOgXPIfFHEJi4xoHRfsMa0xjdDXWLTtLpnWCqLMvFIH3IKwwkAbR_05UqDj4ZW-4YNVs4CKiwsTMWTHLj3gpoGeVesdPMckyvMgjS26myDTKql9tJkxewVH8k5TSNbP2b57AHdM/s1600/Isaiah_9-6.jpg
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Inspirational-Images/large/Isaiah_9-6.jpg
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Isaiah-9-6_Inspirational_Image/



Only God has the right or authority to consider an offering acceptable
Another clue occurs when Manoah and his wife offer a burnt offering to the Lord after the angel suggests it. As the offering is burning, the angel ascends up to heaven in the flames. This signifies that the offering is acceptable and pleasing. No one except God has the right or authority to consider an offering acceptable, so this angel was undoubtedly Jesus Christ. The final clue is given to us from Manoah who says “we have seen God” after the angel ascends in the flames. [6]



Only God has the right or authority to consider an offering acceptable

PHOTO: Only God has the right or authority to consider an offering acceptable
Manoah and his wife offer a burnt offering to the Lord. As the offering is burning, the angel ascends up to heaven in the flames. This signifies that the offering is acceptable and pleasing. No one except God has the right or authority to consider an offering acceptable, so this angel was undoubtedly Jesus Christ.
Picture posted by lector on 25 July 2013
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYngGeg77-1EmqP_AZuEKMAM9YokuWuFiHjyvG-gvhc0PvKCKhf0h-UcNJhpeFCioqQj2DT0gGiZHlvedcxvRpfNRHxg0hhwt2JfU2xJw_bqghIZDHGIhuRHUvWmSGCAJvAAO09kfIKMg/s1600/manoah-and-his-wife.jpg
http://biblestudyoutlines.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/manoah-and-his-wife.jpg
http://biblestudyoutlines.org/bible-study-outlines/bible-study-outline-on-samson/



How the OT (Old Testament) has helped you to understand the (NT) New Testament.
Learn from the apostles how to read the Old Testament ourselves to explain this great message about Jesus [12]
NT Luke tells of his stint in Thessalonica:
And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, ‘This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.’ (Acts 17:2-3, ESV), ESV refers to English Standard Version.



Learn from the apostles how to read the Old Testament ourselves

PHOTO: Learn from the apostles how to read the Old Testament ourselves
Published by effetmer on 17 August 2012 at 13:30
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcb2QPqZxZyEvZhC_F22blu7Ga9Nc2KaLQYUHh7CyF83PoC_UwKyVwDcvmyRmWmxPxJ2WfG0QJ1kTlVJrQ42gJUG1EDE1585Zk0Ncnx2kWHaX0URMCkYiC9M25OH1kU_L90E9IbF1BGg/s1600/db634ed8.gif
http://effetmer.e.f.pic.centerblog.net/db634ed8.gif
http://effetmer.centerblog.net/rub-peinture-de-charles-roka-.html



The citizens of Berea wouldn’t take it on Paul’s word alone.  They had to see it for themselves:
Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica [who ended up attacking both Paul and his message]; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so (Acts 17:11).



Paul at Berea (Acts 17:11)

PHOTO: Paul at Berea (Acts 17:11)
Every apostle used the Old Testament to explain this great message about Jesus, and many of them wrote it down for us in the New Testament. 
Picture from New American Standard Bible
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7UIlfMPqJArR3hNLXZbIFvtubRQ5uLBysjQp4CPu5XxQ4pSGoQqeD9S8UBDick6T4Gc9JzaUOCyF5WvEuXX7aV01nclRTrutInltCpQNnrUIuLF4Hgm7k1LpWQvKgaqyw9yrtAy3KiUw/s1600/stdas0331.jpg
http://bibleencyclopedia.com/gs400px/stdas0331.jpg
http://bibleencyclopedia.com/goodsalt/Acts_17_Paul_at_Berea.htm



Paul wasn’t the only one to use this method of reasoning.  Every apostle used the Old Testament to explain this great message about Jesus, and many of them wrote it down for us in the New Testament.  Some authors were more explicit in their use of the Old Testament than others.  And we can learn much from them about how to read the Old Testament ourselves. [12]



The New Testament is saturated with Old Testament references. No matter how much you try, you cannot expunge the Old Testament from the New Testament.

PHOTO: The New Testament is saturated with Old Testament references. No matter how much you try, you cannot expunge the Old Testament from the New Testament.
Jesus quotes from the Old Testament constantly, including from the Psalms of David. His last words on the cross—Eli, eli, lama sabachthani? Lord, lord, why hast thou forsaken me?—is a quote from the Psalms of David.
Posted by  Lasha Darkmoon on 24 February 2015

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4N8lEEecs3vs1tjObn6KTd-2gPoRjC0k3t-skXtpThlhNQQclZpET6gzSl2O_HDrZVBEuilmcvxnZfP-TJAAnDeo9RHvg9Wb978i2nAbjE6T3PgvMKA83PKaf8-4jZqxmuhyphenhyphenTRZAtMH0/s1600/old-testament-in-new-testament.png
http://www.darkmoon.me/uploads/old-testament-in-new-testament.png
http://www.darkmoon.me/2015/the-old-testament-for-and-against-a-debate-between-christopher-jon-bjerknes-and-lasha-darkmoon-part-2/



The Old Testament lays the foundation for the teachings and events found in the New Testament [7]
The Bible is a progressive revelation. If you skip the first half of any good book and try to finish it, you will have a hard time understanding the characters, the plot, and the ending. In the same way, the New Testament is only completely understood when we see its foundation of the events, characters, laws, sacrificial system, covenants, and promises of the Old Testament. The number of times the New Testament quotes from the OT represents the progressive revelation in the NT.



The Old Testament - The library of 39 Old Testament books laid out in categories

PHOTO: The Old Testament - The library of 39 Old Testament books laid out in categories
The Old Testament contains Law, History, Poetry, Major Prophets, and Minor Prophets.
Picture from (c)2000 Rev. Paul R. Schmidtbleicher, Th.B., Th.M.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPZyj3QCIFNe7WpAvmy14feSLhC-HjYOvqsapfDTP1PTzJt2DlMIz8zK6JATWoBrSS-mrsQQt_-wQHbd_vdFZje50Vpfup5l3e3DlxcaursDUY3oRp5dJofCOrsaXeAvF27wgk7ZqzkA/s1600/ot.gif
http://www.scriptureman.com/ot.gif
http://www.scriptureman.com/bibsur1.html



The New Testament - The library of 27 New Testament books laid out in categories

PHOTO: The New Testament - The library of 27 New Testament books laid out in categories
The New Testament contains the Gospels (Biographies of Jesus Christ), History, Letters of Paul to Churches and Individuals, General Letters to the Church at large, and Prophecy
Picture from (c)2000 Rev. Paul R. Schmidtbleicher, Th.B., Th.M.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdcIRMBS-WzbHQwQI9c3mYzndQAHJ0r3bJ61yXrpR7DiAGrSn0T_18NSK0FV2ba3jRHBmUZ8TVtdrdLasspvZpktjE1QDJlHtAtdyvvyOqcEiJzoWGHq4pdzL-3NRnSk7l9mxagVLsr0/s1600/nt.gif
http://www.scriptureman.com/nt.gif
http://www.scriptureman.com/bibsur2.html



The number of times the New Testament quotes from the OT books [8]
Psalms (68 times)
Isaiah (55)
Deuteronomy (44)
Genesis (35)
Exodus (31)
Leviticus (13)
Proverbs (8)
Zechariah (7)
Jeremiah (5)
Hosea (5)
For the raw data listing every quotation, see the resources page  (http://www.knowableword.com/resources/). [8]

The number of times the New Testament quotes the OT verses [9]
Leviticus 19:18 (8 times)
Exodus 20:12/Deuteronomy 5:16 (6)
Exodus 20:13/Deuteronomy 5:17 (6)
Exodus 20:14/Deuteronomy 5:18 (6)
Psalm 110:1 (5)
Isaiah 6:10 (5)
Genesis 2:24 (4)
Exodus 3:6 (4)
Psalm 118:22 (4)
Isaiah 6:9 (4)
Isaiah 40:3 (4)
The most quoted verse is the second greatest commandment: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18).
For the raw data listing every quotation, see the resources page  (http://www.knowableword.com/resources/). [9]

The number of times the NT books quotes an OT passage [10]
Romans (58 quotes)
Matthew (45)
Hebrews (42)
Acts (27)
Galatians (20)
Luke (19)
1 Corinthians (19)
Mark (18)
John (17)
1 Peter (8)
All four Gospels are on this top 10 list. It’s possible that it’s mostly because they’re some of the longest books in the NT. But I think it’s also true that we simply will not understand Jesus’ person and work unless we understand him in light of the Old Testament. God has spoken in the whole Bible, and Jesus is the climax (Hebrews 1:1-4). For the raw data listing every quotation, see the resources page  (http://www.knowableword.com/resources/). [10]

The number of times the New Testament quotes from the OT chapter [11]
Exodus 20/Deuteronomy 5 (12 times)
Leviticus 19 (8)
Psalm 110 (8)
Deuteronomy 6 (7)
Genesis 2 (6)
Genesis 15 (6)
Deuteronomy 32 (6)
Psalm 69 (6)
Isaiah 40 (6)
Psalm 95 (5)
Psalm 118 (5)
Isaiah 6 (5)
Isaiah 53 (5)
The apostles clearly believed them as important for understanding Christ’s mission.  A solid understanding of these 13 passages will pay great dividends for your understanding of the main points of the Bible and your relationship with Christ.
For the raw data listing every quotation, see the resources page  (http://www.knowableword.com/resources/). [11]



The books of the Old and New Testament
PHOTO: The books of the Old and New Testament
Picture from DENILSON ROBERTO SALES

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBTjz0dbl7e9AzRnONZk4B_PIDcl8Qk0s5o9IHPfPmcgiqgQEswTFcZGQVuWkSAxQZXpHcFC-9BOysDBqnUb3MTwySNGFHeekRnYg5XZuNmIQV_hogaMCCgdUkqpe6jwX3D1jqZ29fGM/s1600/New+Picture.png
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCG9Vr2Ds9yk_mOjA3-W8zYyd16KHzkebzMtlxskAgVlOPloKin8fK-pb46NP8Y7NN6j7b0mwXoVS4U2Xwr6zGaRXxyadOqHp1fKvnZVVjAiVSgksR8oJwEP05GYoDH0VwlGBxNA3Lf8M/s1600/New+Picture.png
http://denilsonprofetadedeus.blogspot.sg/p/comentario-biblico-pdf-para-dawnload.html



The OT make us understand and Identify Jesus of Nazareth in the NT as the Messiah being looked for, was coming and came  [7]
If we only had the New Testament, we would come to the Gospels and not know why the Jews were looking for a Messiah (a Savior King). We would not understand why this Messiah was coming (see Isaiah 53), and we would not have been able to identify Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah through the many detailed prophecies that were given concerning Him [e.g., His birth place (Micah 5:2), His manner of death (Psalm 22, especially verses 1, 7–8, 14–18; 69:21), His resurrection (Psalm 16:10), and many more details of His ministry (Isaiah 9:2; 52:3)].



Jesus of Nazareth in the NT, the Messiah being looked for, was coming and came

PHOTO: Jesus of Nazareth in the NT, the Messiah being looked for, was coming and came
The Old Testament gave many detailed prophecies concerning Jesus the Messiah.
Picture posted by PAXTV.ORG on 21 March 2015
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http://blogs.paxtv.org/toques/images/21_03_2015_15.jpg
http://blogs.paxtv.org/toques/archivo/299-nadie-habl%C3%B3-jam%C3%A1s-como-este-hombre



The OT provides understanding of the mentioned Jewish customs being perverted in the NT
A study of the Old Testament is also important for understanding the Jewish customs mentioned in passing in the New Testament. We would not understand the way the Pharisees had perverted God’s law by adding their own traditions to it, or why Jesus was so upset as He cleansed the temple courtyard, or where Jesus got the words He used in His many replies to adversaries. [7]



The Old Testament provides understanding of the mentioned Jewish customs being perverted in the New Testament

PHOTO: The Old Testament provides understanding of the mentioned Jewish customs being perverted in the New Testament
We would not understand (in the NT) the way the Pharisees had perverted God’s law by adding their own traditions to it.
Picture posted by Treestumps on 26 March 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMb_1UhB1TK5aiRuPccsOq4sfIjehtBw5YUSsocfXrYNMyJu6hNf_Q0lvkzLCWnJM-g8yPFUrdful2szoAVmTif8Aj3dDvQIns4uAT1hLrt8cAomTKMyZYPU87GhhLQE0i_zUDXCvgvU/s1600/a2833678453_10.jpg
http://f1.bcbits.com/img/a2833678453_10.jpg
http://treestumps.bandcamp.com/track/let-me-be-a-wolf



Is it a mistake to reject the OT (Old Testament) as irrelevant to Christians?
Importance of OT: Know our heritage - we are not Christians in a vacuum [1]
We are not Christians in a vacuum. Some Christians relate with God as if they are in a private universe where the only relationship is that between God and themselves. They are guilty of confusing what is personal (belonging to or affecting a particular person rather than anyone else. Example - personal public information found in resumes, social networking sites and blogs.) with what is private (belonging to or for the use of one particular person or group of people only. No official or public role or position. Example - bank account information).



Importance of OT: Know our heritage - we are not Christians in a vacuum

PHOTO: Importance of OT: Know our heritage - we are not Christians in a vacuum
Some Christians relate with God as if they are in a private universe where the only relationship is that between God and themselves. They are guilty of confusing what is personal with what is private.
In art, museums the world over contain works inspired by the long tradition of the Church and the faith of Christian artists of different eras. Traces of Christianity is not only found in museums and libraries, they deeply affect many aspects of our daily lives. Even now, we still count our time from the date of Christ's birth and we named our children and ourselves with Christian names. We can rightly be proud of our Christian's heritage, but this demand contributions from us: that we hand it over in a trimmed and spirited way to the next generation.
Picture found on irushonok.livejournal.com
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ecL5UPWaJFduLbGqwlIgJgf2icSM9Y5Bf1q0pYAL4QXeBn6JEyKNS9Y-gdnwkXpzLv882BekMUy0RhrU6Ry5G1MAbZOA43UWQqMaUV-8_JJ4lCG7b6CJeTX_7vIf6ivYYT4p8nZMy-s/s1600/56d38cd66fa03542dfecaaf6412ab81e.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/56/d3/8c/56d38cd66fa03542dfecaaf6412ab81e.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/10625749094697086/



Importance of OT: God relates with us
One such wrong view is to reject all Christian history, as though God bypasses all of history when He relates with us. It is important to remember that we are not lone (private) Christians, but members of a community (of people): Past, present, and future. It is necessary to appreciate this in our highly individualistic society - the spirit of which has invaded the church.



It is a mistake to reject the OT when God relates with us

PHOTO: It is a mistake to reject the OT when God relates with us
It's wrong to reject all Christian history, as though God bypasses all of history when He relates with us. It is important to remember that we are not lone (private) Christians.
Picture posted by Greg Olsen on Thursday, 7 November 2013 at 13:46
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2RNPfxpUrqJNoOXl-SEIeWh9tkxSi5mCCG9rPsesJqSoTOIovNzwqkmcrhsbYqafma7cWVx1rLQw69SOfTshPPCIe9JQUG8tuNdFGcdx53o3dgfH1JEpYuwMvWTUNBmGV_YfsuEAymM/s1600/106791886_27.JPG
http://img0.liveinternet.ru/images/attach/c/9/106/791/106791886_27.JPG
http://www.liveinternet.ru/users/irisha___irishka/post298699072



Importance of OT: The unfolding of God's Rescue Plan in History (Old Testament) [1]
In biblical history, God's timeless rescue plan began to take significant shape when He called a man out of the ancient city of Ur, some 4,000 years ago. God spoke to Abraham and told him how He would bless him to be a blessing to the nations (Genesis 12:1-3). Abraham believed God and responded by obeying Him, thus becoming a model believer in history. Centuries later, Paul would write to the Galatians: "Consider Abraham: 'He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteouness.' Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham" (Galatians 3:6-7).



Importance of OT: God's Rescue Plan in History (Old Testament)

PHOTO: Importance of OT: God's Rescue Plan in History (Old Testament)
God spoke to Abraham and told him how He would bless him to be a blessing to the nations.
Posted by Wayne Blank on Thursday, 1 August 2013
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloMnkdfMwlta4FhHJIDQRx2kWpoWqrtSQZ7Mt8ZubcRQJ6l32PTFnSCar6UdicJGuXosM8B2MAWfpet0V5R57IvjgJ-4y28-MYzVDEgYzcgBh-rhVke2FdEVFqEivNSmXMhV6ekB6qTI/s1600/altar2.jpg
http://www.keyway.ca/jpg/altar2.jpg
http://www.keyway.ca/htm2013/20130801.htm



Importance of OT: God had a purpose
The first book in the Bible focuses on the story  of Abraham and his proximate descendants. The story is punctuated with setbacks and dangers, human folly and family conflicts, infertility and famine. However, the story proceeded through history, because God has undertaken to protect the lineage so that His eternal rescue plan could be fulfilled. This was made clear in the story of Abraham's great-grandson, Joseph. A victim of his brothers' jealousy and treachery, he ended up a slave in Egypt. But through the grace of God, he overcame temptation and persecution to be blessed with a meteoric (resembling a meteor in speed or in sudden and temporary brilliance) rise in political stature in Egypt - he became Pharaoh's right-hand man and deputy. On hindsight (understanding of a situation or event only after it has happened or developed), God had a purpose.



Importance of OT: God had a purpose

PHOTO: Importance of OT: God had a purpose
The first book in the Bible focuses on the story  of Abraham and his proximate descendants. Abraham's great-grandson, Joseph, a victim of his brothers' jealousy and treachery, ended up a slave in Egypt. But through the grace of God, he overcame temptation and persecution to be blessed with a meteoric rise in political stature in Egypt - he became Pharaoh's right-hand man and deputy.
Posted by Mary Gaines on 13 October 2014, Joseph son of Jacob
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http://usercontent2.hubimg.com/3267970_f1024.jpg
http://whidbeywriter.hubpages.com/hub/God-is-faithful-if-we-do-the-right-thing



Importance of OT: Beyond human folly and sinfulness was God's eternal plan
When famine gripped the land of Canaan, Joseph's father Jacob, his brothers and their families found refuge through the kindness of Joseph. His fearful brothers were afraid that Joseph was still sore and would treat them in a revengeful way. But Joseph, having experienced God's miraculous interventions numerous times in his life, reassured them by re-framing the story. He told his brothers: "Do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you ... So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God" (Genesis 45:5,8). Beyond human folly and sinfulness was God's eternal plan.



Importance of OT: Beyond human folly and sinfulness was God's eternal plan

PHOTO: Importance of OT: Beyond human folly and sinfulness was God's eternal plan
Joseph Forgives His Brothers (illustration from a Bible card published 1907 by the Providence Lithograph Company).
"Do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you ... So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God" (Genesis 45:5,8).
Picture from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia on 16 April 2015 at 00:32
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbehOhhgEdAw6UOPvE2YPtRaWWFChTazXFYv_3gAxeAK3P2Xsr5HzHVFNbYhbrD23LUrPmg7tQ23xA8vhH2jBj-9dEMqbm0Hzs7WRd1iBSwyzVshOS42Gjk8XYZJ_ossFkR2dgzDneaCw/s1600/Joseph_Forgives_His_Brothers.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/46/Joseph_Forgives_His_Brothers.jpg/640px-Joseph_Forgives_His_Brothers.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vayigash


Importance of OT: God educating the nation about His eternal plan
Jacob and his sons settled in Egypt, where Abraham's line multiplied into a nation (Exodus 1:6-7). Though there were attempts to wiped out this emerging nation, the ongoing story reflected God's interventions to protect His people against the devil's schemes and human wickedness. Eventually, God sent Moses, whose life also reflected God's mysterious ways in working out His purposes, to bring Israel out of Egypt. The Exodus event formed a key aspect of the history of Israel and the grand salvation plan. It came to be retold as part of a national collective memory and liturgical recollection, such as Psalm 106. The weekly Sabbath celebrated in every Jewish family looked back to the original Passover. In the Exodus event, the law was given and divine instructions for worship in Israel were established. Through the Law and the liturgical traditions of Israel, God was educating the nation about His eternal plan.



Importance of OT: God educating the nation about His eternal plan

PHOTO: Importance of OT: God educating the nation about His eternal plan
Though there were attempts to wiped out this emerging nation, the ongoing story reflected God's interventions to protect His people against the devil's schemes and human wickedness.
Picture by Bouguereau 03 (Mary & Jesus)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGVS-iVCDRJhN4JsSoXhzSX_LRrEbtrtrvMAfodd63HXMqySv9OX0vfMZ4C12lFSF-ezzawp-yYufeQ5KrSQc8lp-rr4NkUPZHCNKQrCQZS0kAUDi_0L7gTEe5v-NdMkzCNnB5yG16Cw/s1600/6398498385_2f8663d804_b.jpg
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7008/6398498385_2f8663d804_b.jpg
https://www.flickr.com/photos/waitingfortheword/6398498385/



Importance of OT: Idolatry and making political alliances that were contrary to trusting God fully
Israel as a nation was brought back by God into the Promised Land, where they thrived under God's guidance. However, the story was also marked by human failure and disobedience. During the period of the Judges, the story hovered between divine rule and human anarchy, between Deborah saying "March on, my soul; be strong" (Judges 5:21) and the author's observation that "In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit" (Judges 21:25). God raised leaders during this period, several of whom were faithful, including the last judge and prophet Samuel. Israel then demanded a king, and the monarchy was set up. There were some good kings, but most were wicked and sinful, introducing idolatry and making political alliances that were contrary to trusting God fully.



Importance of OT: Idolatry and making political alliances that were contrary to trusting God fully<br>Musical Idolatry at Mount Sinai: beyond redemption. Paul called it DEMON WORSHIP.

PHOTO: Importance of OT: Idolatry and making political alliances that were contrary to trusting God fully
Musical Idolatry at Mount Sinai: beyond redemption. Paul called it DEMON WORSHIP.
There were some good kings, but most were wicked and sinful, introducing idolatry and making political alliances that were contrary to trusting God fully.
Picture from New American Standard Bible ©, The Golden Calf - Moses Receives Tablet and Pleads for Israel
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEc_HkdTDvfl_LzpnhL1R2_B8vu3XOcxiZmdqJUzXtrz4o1zyGjv-Xk3qVdQLIq-t2GUcKO1aH8cFNgIYBnwCtyV-JHLeUDtJDAv9mhm4yRnkf49KEeQUFMnx3BlZuMkPGdj6SB9q1nrc/s1600/stdas0390.jpg
http://bibleencyclopedia.com/gs400px/stdas0390.jpg
http://bibleencyclopedia.com/goodsalt/Exodus_32_Moses_Receives_Tablet_and_Pleads_for_Israel.htm



Importance of OT: God sent prophets and their warnings to nation tottering towards ruin
God sent prophets to warn and remind the nation that was tottering towards ruin. The prophets wrote a major section of the Old Testament and their warnings against the nation's idolatry and its many social evils form an important message from God. The prophet also revealed God's rescue plan for the nation and through them for the whole world. Inspite of Israel's wobbly history and the fact that both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah were overcome and destroyed by superpowers, God's eternal plan remained intact through His interventions and the messages of the prophets. The Jews in time returned to the Promised Land from their exile, and a second temple was built in Jerusalem. There was a period of "divine silence" until the momentous birth of Jesus Christ.



Importance of OT: God sent prophets and their warnings to nation tottering towards ruin

PHOTO: Importance of OT: God sent prophets and their warnings to nation tottering towards ruin
The ultimate result of the destruction of the kingdom of Judah was the worldwide dispersion of the remaining Jewish people. Yes, there were small pockets of Jews who remained in their homeland, settling mainly in the Galilee and in the city of Tiberias. But the vast majority were scattered to foreign nations — all of which was in fulfillment of very specific warnings God had supplied through His prophets over a thousand years before.
Posted by Dr. David R. Reagan, Lamb & Lion Ministries - The Dispersion of the Jews, Israel in Bible Prophecy
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJoSuTBRNRdKrKgIJyJb8mIFWOhAydC7kD2OfRN8QIp1M6aze2daIIwsx2dbTQODCsTYlM43AY4SzxP2qkXP02OgX00GK2cszsfFqVMNda-2JHIpzXdUeM0WfD7n37g-y1j3hIJ-LMhIo/s1600/Diaspora_The-Flight-of-the-Prisoners.jpg
http://www.lamblion.com/images/publications/articles/Diaspora_The-Flight-of-the-Prisoners.jpg
http://www.lamblion.com/articles/articles_jews17.php



Importance of OT: God's plan made in eternity had historical expression
It is true that God's plan to rescue us was initiated in eternity. We can imagine how Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit discussed and made plans even before the first morning and the first man. It is also true that the pre-incarnate Son came from eternity into time and history. The incarnation tells us that God's plan made in eternity had historical expression. God's salvation plan is both timeless and historical.  It is a mistake to reject the OT (Old Testament) as irrelevant to Christians. [1]



Importance of OT: God's plan made in eternity had historical expression

PHOTO: Importance of OT: God's plan made in eternity had historical expression
The pre-incarnate Son came from eternity into time and history. The incarnation tells us that God's plan made in eternity had historical expression. It is a mistake to reject the OT (Old Testament) as irrelevant to Christians.
Picture (Oil on panel) by West, Benjamin (1738-1820), Lot Fleeing from Sodom, 1810; info.: Lot's wife looked back and became a pillar of salt
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY616YkpOrZ21PBQKW17e5pYQnnqSeLm3_-u8VKg6Hzai7UWw1PyrX_SCdHHoXhQf_5y3hqgUBDeWXbX4aWcKeK4OuA2R8Ax8PMZ78S2Y92KyfZRnS0It9FFN05gwG_20ADBNsKajWFhw/s1600/lot-fleeing-from-sodom-benjamin-west.jpg
http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large/lot-fleeing-from-sodom-benjamin-west.jpg
http://fineartamerica.com/art/paintings/guardian+angel/all



What can you learn from Paul on this matter (reject the OT as irrelevant to Christians)?
Paul's Rich Heritage [2]
Learn from Paul: God had embedded His rescue plan in the history, Scriptures and liturgy of Israel, and this reached its culmination in Jesus
Paul was deeply aware of his rich Jewish heritage, not only in a cultural and nationalistic sense, but even more in a spiritual sense. This is because he saw in the history of his people the rich trace of God's eternal plan of salvation. He was convinced that God had embedded His rescue plan in the history, Scriptures and liturgy of Israel, and this reached its culmination in Jesus. It is in this sense that Paul made reference to "my forefathers" (2 Timothy 1:3).



Learn from Paul: God had embedded His rescue plan in the history, Scriptures and liturgy of Israel, and this reached its culmination in Jesus

PHOTO: Learn from Paul: God had embedded His rescue plan in the history, Scriptures and liturgy of Israel, and this reached its culmination in Jesus
Paul saw in the history of his people the rich trace of God's eternal plan of salvation. He was convinced that God had embedded His rescue plan in the history, Scriptures and liturgy of Israel,
Posted by Odnoklassniki on 4 September 2014 at 12:01 - YOU ARE GOD'S FAVORITE CHILD

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwS_bUw4iBiLeIZnVPBLxAkZvJ7cesFN7rf7NYtj0CVok4wgEV61Cnm6k8fxYGycf3BUa4RcLrtt0zduUgda4T8dp0G1gl44NkNVjo1YYyqCI4dtOgwmtIQMFksYKzLTFesohDqjyOAic/s1600/getImage.jpg
http://gic5.mycdn.me/getImage?photoId=584627024815&photoType=17
http://ok.ru/tybozhlyu/topic/62841165114287



Learn from Paul: Emulate those who were righteous, those who feared, trusted and obeyed God
Paul was not referring to the sinful and stubbornly disobedient Jews found in every generation. He was thinking of those who were righteous, those who feared, trusted and obeyed God. Paul sought to emulate them in a way he served God. Like them, he worked for the Lord "with a clear conscience" (2 Timothy 1:3). We get a glimpse of such righteous ancestors in Hebrews 11 - a kind of "Hall of the faithful". One can imagine a special museum in which we are invited to walk past illustrious examples of faith and faithfulness in the history of Israel. These include well-known persons (Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Barak, Samuel, David) as well as many unnamed persons, including many prophets, who were prosecuted and martyred for their faith.



Learn from Paul: Emulate those who were righteous, those who feared, trusted and obeyed God

PHOTO: Learn from Paul: Emulate those who were righteous, those who feared, trusted and obeyed God
Paul sought to emulate them in a way he served God. These include well-known persons (Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Barak, Samuel, David) as well as many unnamed persons, including many prophets, who were prosecuted and martyred for their faith.
Many people call Hebrews 11 the “Faith Chapter” or “Faith Hall of Fame.” This chapter lists many people in the Old Testament who were faithful to God. This chapter also explains how these people were faithful to Him. They were faithful to God in many different ways.
Enoch pleased God. Noah had respect for God. Abraham obeyed and trusted God. Isaac blessed others. Moses’ mother and father protected him. Moses suffered with the Israelites while they were in Egypt. The Israelites followed God’s instructions in Jericho. Rahab treated Israelites as her friends. Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets all did what was right for God.
Do you want to be part of the “Faith Hall of Fame”? Be like all the people listed above. Please respect God. Obey and trust Him. Bless and protect others. Suffer for Jesus. Follow God’s instructions carefully. Treat others, including your enemies, as your friends. Do what is right.
You can do it. Be faithful to God. - CPE
God was pleased with all of them because of their faith.” (Hebrews 11:39a)
PRAYER: Dear God, help me to be faithful to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Posted by Daily Devotions for the Deaf on 5 January 2013 at 12:00
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https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PjxnWUC-Mx0/UNMcQvZOlDI/AAAAAAAAAA4/3uWTgvIv0xI/s512/20130105.jpg
http://ddd-tw.blogspot.sg/2013/01/blog-post_5.html



Learn from Paul: Spiritual history pointed to Jesus the Messiah, the Saviour of the world
There is no doubt that Paul was inspired by his rich spiritual heritage. As one well-educated in the Scriptures and Jewish history, he was very familiar with the heroes of his nation's faith. If God's eternal gospel plan is a bright light, then Israel is a convex lens that brings this light into focus. Paul was convinced that Israel's rich spiritual heritage found its culmination and fullness in Jesus, who was the perfect Israelite who fulfilled all the requirements of the law, and through whom salvation would come to all nations. Thus God's promised to Abraham that the nations would be blessed through his offspring would be fulfilled through Jesus (Galatians 3:15-16). Paul knew that the spiritual history of his people pointed to Jesus the Messiah, the Saviour of the world. As a fervent  preacher of this gospel, Paul was not one who would forget, ignore or reject this religious history.



Learn from Paul: Spiritual history pointed to Jesus the Messiah, the Saviour of the world

PHOTO: Learn from Paul: Spiritual history pointed to Jesus the Messiah, the Saviour of the world
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20)
Posted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
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https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bc/scriptures/nt/matt/28/images/061-061-GoYeTherefore-full.jpg
https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/28.19#media=go-ye-therefore



Learn from Paul: The gospel of Jesus Christ brings salvation by faith in Him alone
Some people wrongly think that Paul rejected his Jewish past. They read passages such as Philippians 3:4-9 where Paul refers to his Jewish credentials as "rubbish", and conclude that the spiritual heritage of the Old Testament is of no use to Christians. That would miss Paul's point. He wrote the passage in Philippians to speak against the Judaisers (certain Jewish Christians) who insisted that salvation is made possible through believing in Christ and keeping Old Testament ceremonial rituals. One contentious (controversial) point was whether Gentile Christians needed to be circumcised. The Judaisers insisted that circumcision was necessary. Paul strongly opposed this because he was convinced that the gospel of Jesus Christ brings salvation by faith in Him alone. Our confidence is in Him rather than in our righteous acts, in the complete work of Christ rather in any work of the flesh (Galatians 3:3).

What he and the other apostles wished to make clear was that Jesus was the promised Jewish Messiah, the One whose coming was foretold in the Old Testament. The unbelieving Jews rejected our Lord’s claim to be the Messiah, and they sought to “divorce” Christianity as non-Jewish, and therefore an illegal sect. In this they failed (Acts 18:12-17). And so it is in Romans 9-11 that Paul draws together many Old Testament citations to show that God chose some and not others, and that some of these “others” were intended to be Gentiles. It was necessary to use a great deal of the Old Testament in the New to show the direct link between the two testaments, and to show that the work of Christ fulfilled the promises of God in the Old Testament.



Learn from Paul: The gospel of Jesus Christ brings salvation by faith in Him alone

PHOTO: Learn from Paul: The gospel of Jesus Christ brings salvation by faith in Him alone
The Cross Distinguishes the Grace of God - sola gratia (grace alone)
Romans 3:24 "being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;"
Salvation comes by grace alone, not through any merits intrinsic of the sinner. Thus salvation is an unearned gift. This is a response to the Catholic doctrine of merit.
Posted by Steve Camp on Sunday, 30 September 2007
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https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSjoUphI4crc42DP-c1fHvWjyaPOMCrytTXhdagtbBGWVwXDGS0zJhARfp1TQhk1yy4xObaMm8pN62oFTb_-Kah8qGOn7a4d5i7vmVAPFwwRIkSrjyAUAK3vWe9RG2F-IrBtvtWkEgyI/s1600/GDJesusonCross.jpg
http://stevenjcamp.blogspot.sg/2007_09_01_archive.html



Learn from Paul: "Circumcise your hearts" (Deuteronomy 10:16), points to a spiritual reality
Paul must also have realised that the Law which requires physical circumcision points to a spiritual reality. Hence we find this commandment in the Law, "Circumcise your hearts" (Deuteronomy 10:16). We also read about God's promise of a spiritual blessing in the future: "The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live" (Deuteronomy 30:6). This was done by Jesus, as Paul explains: "In [Jesus] you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with circumcision done with the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him from the dead" (Colossians 2:11-12, emphasis added). It is clear that Paul was not rejecting the Jewish Scriptures but wrong interpretations that distorted the gospel of Jesus Christ, and which therefore prevented people from truly responding to Him.





PHOTO: Learn from Paul: "Circumcise your hearts" (Deuteronomy 10:16), points to a spiritual reality
'The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live" (Deuteronomy 30:6)
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Learn from Paul: Psalm 119:130 in Hebrew Bible (the Christian Old Testament), "The unfolding of your words gives light"
It is not possible to understand Jesus and His gospel adequately without reference to the Jewish Scriptures and the salvation history of Israel. Paul knew the Hebrew Bible (the Christian Old Testament), but his understanding of it was mistaken before he met the risen Christ on the Damascus road. After encountering Christ, he must have re-read the Scriptures. As he went through the scrolls, he experienced what the psalmist exclaims in Psalm 119:130, "The unfolding of your words gives light". He must has been awed by the fact that the Jewish Scriptures all pointed to Jesus Christ as the Messiah of God's ancient salvation plan. As Old Testament scholar Chris Wright pointed out, "The Old Testament tells the story that Jesus Completes."



Learn from Paul: Psalm 119:130 in Hebrew Bible (the Christian Old Testament), 'The unfolding of your words gives light'

PHOTO: Learn from Paul: Psalm 119:130 in Hebrew Bible (the Christian Old Testament), "The unfolding of your words gives light"
The Jewish Scriptures all pointed to Jesus Christ as the Messiah of God's ancient salvation plan. As Old Testament scholar Chris Wright pointed out, "The Old Testament tells the story that Jesus Completes."
Picture posted by Maria on Thursday, 14 August 2014 at 08:41 am
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Learn from Paul: The big picture revealed in the patterns
We can keep looking at a set of patterns and not see the big picture revealed in the patterns. But then when we suddenly see the picture, we marvel at the discovery and also wonder how we can have missed what has now become so obvious. This must have been Paul's experience to the point that he spent his remaining days preaching that Jesus was the son of God, through whom God saves the world.



Learn from Paul: The big picture revealed in the patterns


PHOTO: Learn from Paul: The big picture revealed in the patterns
We can keep looking at a set of patterns and not see the big picture revealed in the patterns. But then when we suddenly see the picture, we marvel at the discovery and also wonder how we can have missed what has now become so obvious.
Picture posted by Judgment Journey on 28 October 2014 at 11:01 AM
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Learn from Paul: Jesus knew the Jewish Scriptures well and He Himself came to fulfil the Law (Matthew 5:17)
This experience of Paul was shared by the two disciples who were on the way to Emmaus on the evening Jesus rose from dead. Jesus walked with them - though they failed to recognise him - and opened the Scriptures to them. "And begining with Moses and all the prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself" (Luke 24:27). Jesus Himself came to fulfil the Law (Matthew 5:17). He knew the Jewish Scriptures well, often referring to them in His teachings. The gospel of Matthew portrays Jesus as having fulfilled the Scriptures and connects Jesus closely with the Old Testament prophecies and the spiritual history of Israel.



Learn from Paul: Jesus knew the Jewish Scriptures well and He Himself came to fulfil the Law (Matthew 5:17)

PHOTO: Learn from Paul: Jesus knew the Jewish Scriptures well and He Himself came to fulfil the Law (Matthew 5:17)
This experience of Paul was shared by the two disciples who were on the way to Emmaus on the evening Jesus rose from dead. Jesus walked with them - though they failed to recognise him - and opened the Scriptures to them. "And begining with Moses and all the prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself" (Luke 24:27).
Posted on 29 April 2013 at 16:27
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Learn from Paul: history of God's people was a special conduit for the salvation plan of God
Not only was Paul aware that the culmination of Old Testament spirituality was in Jesus, but he was also aware that the history of his people was a special conduit for the salvation plan of God. It was a rich heritage that Paul valued because it shed more light on Jesus. As a Jew, he knew that the faith of his fathers was connected with Jesus. As John Stott observes, "His faith become richer, fuller and deeper when God has revealed Christ to him. Yet it was still substantially the same faith as that of Old Testament believers like Abraham and David, as he had argued in Romans 4, for it was the same God in whom they all had believed. No wonder he had been able to affirm to Felix the procurator (an agent representing others in a court of law in countries retaining Roman civil law): 'I worship the God of my fathers' (Acts 24:14;cf. 26:6)."  [2]
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


Learn from Paul: history of God's people was a special conduit for the salvation plan of God
PHOTO: Learn from Paul: history of God's people was a special conduit for the salvation plan of God
It was still the same faith as that of Old Testament believers like Abraham and David, as he had argued in Romans 4, for it was the same God in whom they all had believed.
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Father I Pray PHOTO:  Father I Pray
God of my Lord Jesus  the Messiah, the Father of glory, I pray that you may continue to give me the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of You, the eyes of my understanding being enlightened; that I may continue to know what is the hope of Your calling, what are the riches of Your inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of Your power toward me who believe, according to the working of Your mighty power which You worked in Messiah when You raised Him from the dead and seated Him at Your own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And You put all things under Your feet, and gave Jesus to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. (Ephesians 1:17-21)
Texts posted by Georgy on 2 August 2011
Picture posted by Heemz  on Tuesday, 26 February 2013

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Reference
[1] From "Faithful to the end" A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, Copyright © 2014 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-1-62707-241-0, PART ONE: UNITED WITH CHRIST, Chapter 3 "I know my Heritage" (2 Timothy 1:3-7), Page 30 - 32.

[2] From "Faithful to the end" A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, Copyright © 2014 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-1-62707-241-0, PART ONE: UNITED WITH CHRIST, Chapter 3 "I know my Heritage" (2 Timothy 1:3-7), Page 32 - 36.

[3] "Emmaus Heartburn", http://lynnmosher.com/emmaus-heartburn-4/, Posted by Lynn H Mosher on 6 April  2015,  © 2008-2014 Lynn Mosher.

[4] The Road to Emmaus – Sermon on Luke 24:13-35, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1R_gd88a-HnT-nke_D1ZMsH4iykXe_GJwEnQ-AfXc2s0/edit?pli=1, Posted by Christ the Truth (Glen) on 15 April 2012.

[5] Jesus Christ’s appearances in the Old Testament–pt. 1, https://sunandshield.wordpress.com/2007/01/21/jesus-christs-appearances-in-the-old-testament-pt-1/, Posted by Harry A. Gaylord on 21 January 2007.

[6] Jesus Christ’s appearances in the Old Testament–pt. 2, https://sunandshield.wordpress.com/2007/01/21/jesus-christs-appearances-in-the-old-testament-pt-2/, Posted by Harry A. Gaylord on 21 January 2007.

[7] "Why should we study the Old Testament?", http://www.gotquestions.org/old-testament.html, © Copyright 2002-2015 Got Questions Ministries.

[8] Top 10 OT Books Quoted in NT, http://www.knowableword.com/2013/03/20/top-10-ot-books-quoted-in-nt/, Posted by Peter Krol on 20 March 2013, Knowable Word (Helping ordinary people learn to study the Bible).

[9] Top 11 OT Verses Quoted in NT, http://www.knowableword.com/2013/04/10/top-10-ot-verses-quoted-in-nt/, Posted by Peter Krol on 10 April 2013, Knowable Word (Helping ordinary people learn to study the Bible).

[10] Top 10 NT Books that Quote OT Passages, http://www.knowableword.com/2013/04/17/top-10-nt-books-that-quote-ot-passages/, Posted by Peter Krol on 17 April 2013, Knowable Word (Helping ordinary people learn to study the Bible).

[11] Top 13 OT Chapters Quoted in the NT, http://www.knowableword.com/2013/04/03/top-13-ot-chapters-quoted-in-the-nt/, Posted by Peter Krol on 3 April 2013, Knowable Word (Helping ordinary people learn to study the Bible).

[12] The New Testament Uses the Old Testament, http://www.knowableword.com/2014/07/16/the-new-testament-uses-the-old-testament/, Posted by Peter Krol on 16 July 2014, Knowable Word (Helping ordinary people learn to study the Bible).


NIV, New International Version, Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

2 Timothy 1:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+1%3A3&version=NIV

2 Timothy 1:3-7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+1%3A3-7&version=NIV

Acts 10:26; 14:15 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+10%3A26%3B+14%3A15&version=NIV

Acts 17:2-3, ESV - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+17%3A2-3&version=ESV (English Standard Version)

Acts 17:11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+17%3A11&version=NIV

Acts 18:12-17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+18%3A12-17&version=NIV

Acts 24:14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+24%3A14&version=NIV

Acts 26:6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+26%3A6&version=NIV

Colossians 2:11-12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+2%3A11-12&version=NIV

Deuteronomy 10:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+10%3A16&version=NIV

Deuteronomy 30:6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+30%3A6&version=NIV

Ephesians 1:17-21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Eph.+1%3A17-21&version=NIV

Exodus 1:6-7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+1%3A6-7&version=NIV

Exodus 20:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+20%3A7&version=NIV

Galatians 3:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+3%3A3&version=NIV

Galatians 3:6-7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+3%3A6-7&version=NIV

Galatians 3:15-16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+3%3A15-16&version=NIV

Genesis 1:1,2,26 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1%3A1%2C2%2C26&version=NIV

Genesis 1:26 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1%3A26&version=NIV

Genesis 12:1-3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+12%3A1-3&version=NIV

Gen. 18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen.+18&version=NIV

Gen. 18:13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen.+18%3A13&version=NIV

Genesis 45:5,8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+45%3A5%2C8&version=NIV

Hebrews 1:1-4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Heb.+1%3A1-4&version=NIV

Hebrews 11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11&version=NIV

Hebrews 11:39a - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11%3A39a&version=NIV

Hebrews 13:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Heb.+13%3A8&version=NIV

Isaiah 9:2; 52:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+9%3A2%3B+52%3A3&version=NIV

Isaiah 9:6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+9%3A6&version=NIV

Isaiah 53 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+53&version=NIV

Joshua. 5:13-15 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua.+5%3A13-15&version=NIV

Judges 5:21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges+5%3A21&version=NIV

Judges 13:3-23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges+13%3A3-23&version=NIV

Judges 13:18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges+13%3A18&version=NIV

Judges 21:25 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges+21%3A25&version=NIV

Leviticus 19:18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+19%3A18&version=NIV

Luke 24:27 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+24%3A27&version=NIV

Matthew 5:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A17&version=NIV

Matthew 28:19-20 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A19-20&version=NIV

Micah 5:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Micah+5%3A2&version=NIV

Philippians 3:4-9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+3%3A4-9&version=NIV

Psalm 16:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+16%3A10&version=NIV

Psalm 22: 1, 7–8, 14–18; 69:21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+22%3A+1%2C+7%E2%80%938%2C+14%E2%80%9318%3B+69%3A21&version=NIV

Psalm 106 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+106&version=NIV

Psalm 119:130 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119%3A130&version=NIV

Revelation 2, 3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+2%2C+3&version=NIV

Revelation 19:10; 22:9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev.+19%3A10%3B+22%3A9&version=NIV

Romans 3:24 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+3%3A24&version=NIV

Romans 4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+4&version=NIV

Romans 9-11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+9-11&version=NIV